Xcel Energy Breaks Ground On New Substation

Xcel Energy has officially broken ground on a new substation that will recharge the company's coverage of Sioux Falls. The new substation will replace the 90-year-old existing one.

Construction on the new central Sioux Falls substation is well underway. It's going up on five acres of the old stockyards. When complete, it'll be more than 10 times the size of the existing substation.

"We're increasing the voltage capacity of this new substation so that we can double the power carrying capability of the facility," Xcel Energy Regional Vice President Laura McCarten said.

"I'm happy that electricity is here in South Dakota. I'm happy that it's reliable, that it is affordable, and I'm happy that the investment that Xcel Energy makes today will make it even more so in the future,” Gov. Dennis Daugaard said.

Daugaard says reports show South Dakota already experiences fewer power outages than most states.

"So when the power goes out, it's very infrequent, and when it does go out, it's not for very long. And that's because of companies like Xcel Energy," Daugaard said.

A tradition the company hopes to expand upon with the new substation.

Officials are also looking forward to moving unsightly power lines and transformers from the current location in Falls Park to a more concealed area.

The new substation is scheduled to be ready for operation around this time next year.